Senator Bonacic took an updated tour of the Fleurchem Manufacturing Plant, Middletown, to see their operation, and hear their concerns. With the Senator are Controller Lea Backenroth (l) and CEO Rochele Gluck.

Senator Bonacic receives an updated tour of the 200,000 square facility of Middletown's Fleurchem Manufacturing Plant. Founded in 1984, this plant is a leading global manufacturer of supplier of ingredients for flavors, fragrances, foods, beverages and personal care products.

“Small businesses are among New York’s top employers and to keep them on top it is crucial that state government partner with these job creators,” said Senator Seward. “I am committed to advancing legislation that helps create an atmosphere conducive to job creation – cutting business taxes, lowering energy costs, and eliminating unnecessary government regulations.”

ALBANY - Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C-Olean) received a 93 percent score, one of the highest of any legislator in the state, for supporting job growth and economic revitalization initiatives that will make Upstate New York a stronger and more welcoming place to do business.

According to Unshackle Upstate, a coalition of over 80 business and trade organizations representing 70,000 companies employing more than 1.5 million people, Senator Young is a friend of the Upstate economy and taxpayers.

ALBANY – Unshackle Upstate, a bipartisan coalition of business and trade organizations representing more than 700,000 companies, has given Sen. Joseph A. Griffo its third highest grade for his votes in the Senate supporting businesses and taxpayers this legislative session.

Griffo scored a 88 out of 100 possible points by the pro-business group. The organization gave the senator favorable marks for his ‘yes’ votes on a series of bills aimed at reducing regulations on businesses. In addition, the group applauded his support of the on-time state budget, as well as his sponsorship of two bills that would limit new taxes and protect businesses from illegitimate unemployment claims.

ONEONTA, 08/19/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) has received top marks from leading business advocacy group, Unshackle Upstate.

“Improving the economic development climate in New York means jobs, it means careers, and it means future success for our families and young people,” said Senator Seward. “Cutting unnecessary government red tape, improving our infrastructure, reducing taxes, and leveling the playing field for small businesses are just a few of the recent victories that will pay real dividends.”

On August 18, 2014, at The Tech Garden in Syracuse, State Senator John A. DeFrancisco helped announce the nine new recipients of the Grants for Growth program. A total of $474,944 was awarded in the program's 11th round. The new investment will leverage $919,207 in matching funds to support emerging regional companies.

Grants for Growth is made possible through state funding secured by Senator DeFrancisco. The program helps to stimulate the local economy and create jobs through the successful collaboration between private businesses and academic and research institutions throughout Central New York.

Earlier this year, I held a public forum in Albany on the issue of hydrofracking waste disposal, focusing on the health and environmental risks posed by the byproducts of hydraulic fracturing. Hydrofracking waste is being brought into New York from Pennsylvania, and we know that this waste contains toxins that can contaminate drinking water. Some of this waste is being disposed of in New York landfills – but is not being regulated as hazardous waste. I will continue fighting to protect New Yorkers from the dangerous waste products of hydrofracking.

I’d like to hear the views of my constituents on these important issues. Please take a moment to answer these opinion questions below. Thank you for your participation.

Farms and businesses across Western New York are opening their doors, issuing a heartfelt invitation to sample the abundant bounty and natural beauty found in New York's growing venture - agritourism. Agritourism is the intersection of agriculture and tourism, a heady mix of farms, markets, people, livestock and the culture of growing food, guaranteed to entertain people of all ages. Whether you're looking for an authentic farm experience, a pastoral setting to pick strawberries or ride horses, or scary twists and turns in a Halloween corn maze, it can all be found right here in your own backyard.

Senator Tim Kennedy joined local and state leaders to highlight a $250,000 funding award for the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. The corridor is a nationally and internationally recognized Buffalo neighborhood, serving as a focal point to residents and visitors learning about Buffalo’s rich and diverse history. The efforts will increase the ability of the corridor to serve as an anchor for tourism.

The Army is proposing troop cuts to levels not seen since the beginning of World War 2. Taken across the board, the reductions could mean significant cuts at Fort Drum, the North Country’s leading economic engine.

ALBANY – Streamlining the process to access federal grant funding to expand broadband in rural areas will open the doors to more economic opportunities, healthcare innovation, and educational investment.

A bill sponsored and passed by Senator Catharine Young (R, I, C—Olean), Chair of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, speeds up the process that certain broadband providers, called Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs), go through to access federal loans designated for broadband expansion. This legislation also was passed by the Assembly and is awaiting the Governor’s signature into law.

SHERBURNE, 07/26/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today joined in the grand opening of the Sherburne Historic Park Society’s new museum building and announced a $50,000 state grant he secured to help with construction costs.

“The Town of Sherburne is a picture perfect example of upstate New York life with a rich history and traditions all its own,” said Senator Seward. “This new museum will serve as a testament to Sherburne’s past while adding to the quality of life for residents and offering tourists another reason to visit Sherburne - a plus for our local businesses.”

The ribbon cutting at the Library Lofts in downtown Yonkers took place on Wednesday, July 23rd. The former library building has been transformed into 23 rental apartments and a retail store. The city got a $3.5 million RestoreNY grant plus several million dollars to also reveal the Saw Mill River covered over by pavement just behind the building. This is a public-private partnership involving Fidelco Realty Group, Empire State Development and the City of Yonkers, and is located in her district.

Thirty-five employers conducted more than 800 interviews, hired 16 applicants on the spot and scheduled close to another 200 meetings with candidates they met at a job fair July 10 in Elmhurst sponsored by state Senator Jose Peralta in conjunction with Queens Center.

“We were able to help some people still struggling to make ends meet on the heels of the Great Recession,” said Peralta. “From past experience, I expect that a number of others will also end up getting offers in the near future as a result of the interviews they scheduled and contacts they made at the job fair.”

I was pleased to join my colleagues in government and representatives from Geva Theatre this morning to announce Geva's agreement with Woodbury Place. Formerly Merkel Donohue warehouse, this building will be re-purposed to house actors and actresses performing at Geva Theatre. Located just steps away from Geva Theatre in the Washington Square neighborhood, this project enhance the revitalization of Downtown Rochester.

Legislation Will Boost Tourism, Create Jobs by Putting Local Wineries on the Map

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced her legislation to put North Country wineries on the map, create jobs and boost the economy has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Ritchie’s bill (S.6321-A) creates the “St. Lawrence Wine Trail,” highlighting for tourists and residents the increasing number of wines being produced locally.

“In recent years a significant number of new wineries have popped up across New York State—and that includes a number of new establishments that are right here in our backyard,” said Senator Ritchie.

“The creation of the St. Lawrence Wine Trail is a chance for the North Country to capitalize on the fast-growing wine industry. By putting these local businesses on the map, we can boost tourism, create jobs, encourage more people to shop local as well as strengthen current wineries and encourage more new businesses to open.”

Yonkers, NY - Democratic Conference Leader, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, was joined by Empire State Development President and CEO Kenneth Adams, and the President of Kawasaki Rail Car Inc., Hiroki Iwasaki, to announce final approval of a $500,000 state grant to keep the company and 375 employees in Yonkers.